Carmichael's Final Ride At The U.S. Open

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Carmichael's Final Ride At The U.S. Open Next Week


AURORA, Ill. (August 31, 2007) - Suzuki's Ricky Carmichael, of Tallahassee, Fla., announced today that he will close out his 2007 farewell season by racing in the 10th Annual Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena October 12-14. Carmichael is the only racer in history to participate at every Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open since its inception in 1997.

"Ricky Carmichael has had a remarkable career that includes five AMA Supercross titles, one FIM World Supercross GP title and three U.S. Open titles," said Todd Jendro, senior director of supercross, Live Nation. "As he completes his 2007 farewell tour, it's only fitting that his final U.S. appearance will be at the prestigious Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open, giving supercross fans one final opportunity to see Carmichael compete in the U.S."

"I'm looking forward to racing the U.S. Open because it is a fun event," said Carmichael. "I'm happy to be finished with chasing championships and look forward to racing at unique events like the (U.S.) Open. I always look forward to racing in Vegas. I have competed every year at the U.S. Open and want to keep the streak alive. I can't believe that it's the 10th Anniversary of the U.S. Open. It seems like just yesterday when I raced at the very first one".

Carmichael has won three U.S. Open titles - more than any other rider in history - and has his sights on an unprecedented fourth title before going into retirement. Carmichael, who is the all-time winningest racer in AMA history with 15 National Championships, earned his last U.S. Open in 2005 when he swept both nights of racing.

CBS Sports will once again broadcast a 90-minutes television package of the 10th Annual Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open Sunday, October 20, from 1:30-3:00 p.m. EST.

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Makita Suzuki’s Ricky Carmichael will not compete at this weekend’s US Open of Supercross


Seventeen-time champ forced to call it quits due to medical condition

BREA, Calif., (October 9, 2007) – American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) announced today that
Team Makita Suzuki Racing’s Ricky Carmichael will not compete at this weekend’s US Open in
Las Vegas. Carmichael has been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and that may be worsened by physical or mental activity. CFS affects more than one million people in the United States.

Carmichael’s condition was more than likely brought on by his recent intense schedule of motorcycle and car racing, his training regime, and possibly a shortage of rest while caring for his newborn twins. “I’ve just felt like I’ve been running out of steam the past few months. Training has been difficult. I’ve struggled to maintain my normal pace on my road bike and though I’ve
been extremely tired, I’ve had a difficult time sleeping and never really feel rested,” said Carmichael.

Unfortunately, RC’s condition not only means that he’ll miss this weekend’s US Open in Vegas, but
he also will not be able to attend the Bercy Supercross in November as planned. This essentially means that the seventeen-time champion’s motorcycle racing career has come to a premature end. “I’m disappointed to have it end in this manner,” said Carmichael. “I was really looking forward to racing the Open and Bercy. Suzuki has stepped up the testing on the new fuel-injected
RM-Z450 in order to premier it at the Open. I feel bad for Suzuki, my team and my sponsors as well as Live Nation, who have been a great supporter of me during my supercross career. As it turns out, MX des Nations was my last motorcycle race that came and went without the celebration with my team and close friends I was looking forward to,” added Carmichael.

“We are obviously disappointed to see Ricky’s racing career with Makita Suzuki come to a end under these circumstances,” said team manager, Roger DeCoster. “RC has been great asset for the sport of supercross and motocross and is a wonderful mentor for so many younger and older riders. His absence from racing will be greatly missed. Ricky will continue to contribute to team Makita Suzuki with testing and consulting but the important thing now is that he gets the rest and treatment he needs to get well,” added DeCoster.